For solar system bodies deemed by scientific opinion to have no indigenous life forms, an “unrestricted Earth return” subcategory is defined missions in this subcategory have planetary protection requirements on the outbound phase only that correspond to the category of that phase (typically category I or II). ![]() The Moon must be protected from back-contamination to retain freedom from planetary protection requirements for Earth-Moon travel. Category V comprises all return-to-Earth missions, where the concern is the protection of the terrestrial system comprising the Earth and the Moon. The requirements and compliance are similar to those imposed for the Viking missions, with the exception of complete lander or probe sterilization. COSPAR requires detailed documentation of planetary protection issues, including a bioassay to enumerate spacecraft bioburden, an analysis of the probability of contamination that may include trajectory biasing, use of cleanrooms during spacecraft assembly, bioload reduction, partial sterilization of any direct contact hardware, and a bioshield for that hardware. Category IV missions (mostly probe and lander missions) target a body of chemical evolution and/or origin-of life-interest or for which scientific opinion indicates that there is a significant chance of contamination that could jeopardize future biological experiments. An inventory of bulk constituent organics is required if the probability of impact is significant. COSPAR requires documentation of planetary protection issues and some implementation of protection procedures that include at a minimum trajectory biasing, the use of cleanrooms during spacecraft assembly and testing, and possibly spacecraft bioburden reduction. Category III missions (mostly flyby and orbiter missions) are missions to a target body of chemical evolution and/or origin-of-life interest or for which scientific opinion indicates that there is a significant chance of contamination that could jeopardize a future biological experiment. COSPAR requires only simple documentation that includes preparation of a short planetary protection plan in the form of an outline of intended or potential impact targets, brief pre- and postlaunch analyses detailing impact strategies, and a postencounter and end-of-mission report providing the location of impact, if such an event occurs. Category II missions are missions whose target bodies are of significant interest relative to the process of chemical evolution and the origin of life but in which there is only a remote chance that contamination carried by a spacecraft could jeopardize future exploration. Category I includes any mission to a target body that is not of direct interest for understanding the process of chemical evolution or the origin of life no protection of such bodies is warranted, and no planetary protection requirements are imposed by COSPAR policy. The following descriptions are set forth in the COSPAR regulations ( 6). ![]() Spacefaring nations generally adhere to the scientific and technical standards developed by COSPAR.ĬOSPAR describes five categories for interplanetary missions, and there are suggested ranges of planetary protection requirements for each category. ![]() Thus, planetary protection is now a part of planning for all extraterrestrial missions ( 64), and the rules regarding these activities are prepared by an international group known as the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) (Paris, France). Most scientists accept this, and there are international treaties and regulations addressing these issues ( 6, 62). As summarized by Rummel ( 56) and Rummel and Meyer ( 57), while exploring our solar system and the universe at large, spacefaring nations must be committed to avoiding biological contamination of other planetary systems while also protecting the Earth from potential harm caused by materials returned from space.
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